When filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a debtor will not lose any property (including your home) to the bankruptcy trustee. The filing also does not affect a debtor’s mortgage. So while a debtor will not lose their home as the result of filing Chapter 13, they can still lose their home through foreclosure. A phoenix chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer will be able to walk you through the process.
Chapter 13 and Keeping Your Property
While a debtor will not lose their home as the result of filing Chapter 13, they can still lose their home through foreclosure. The automatic stay that is issued when a debtor files bankruptcy will stop any impending foreclosure. And if a debtor is able to make his or her mortgage payments during the Chapter 13 repayment period, they will be able to keep their home.
In most Chapter 13 bankruptcies, a debtor will pay the mortgage lender directly. But in some cases, a bankruptcy court and trust will require a debtor to make mortgage payments through the Chapter 13 repayment plan. A trustee will then pay the mortgage lender with this money. If it’s available for your situation, it’s better for a lender to be paid outside of the repayment plan because a trustee’s fee is based on a percentage of the repayment payment. This means the higher the amount that goes through the repayment plan, the more fees will be tacked on.
To keep their home, a debtor will need to pay back all mortgage arrears by the end of the repayment period. This period usually lasts three to five years.
Chapter 13 When Facing Foreclosure
If you are facing foreclosure, it’s advised that you work with a bankruptcy attorney that can explain what options you have to keep your home, including filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. During the process of foreclosure, a mortgage lender will attempt to recover the balance of a loan from a homeowner that is unable to pay his or her mortgage. The foreclosure process will be determined by the state in which you live, but below we will outline the basic process in Arizona.
There are steps available to homeowners who are facing home foreclosure. If you are struggling to make payments on your home because of loss of job or other unforeseen circumstance, remember that mortgage lenders are often willing to work with you. A lender would rather a homeowner stay in the home than try to recoup the money on the loan via a foreclosure sale. One option you can pursue is a loan modification.
Loan Modification
Filing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can also stop a foreclosure. In fact, stopping mortgage foreclosures is the driving force behind many Chapter 13 bankruptcies that are filed in Las Vegas, Nevada. Filing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can stop a mortgage foreclosure proceeding in its tracks. However, the Chapter 13 bankruptcy must be filed before the mortgage company sells your home. The bankruptcy filing gives homeowners the time they need to cure delinquent mortgage payments.
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan provides for the repayment of the mortgage arrears and other secured debts from future income rather than from the current sale of your assets. Under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the payments you make are fixed so that you can meet all your necessary living expenses first and then pay any surplus income to creditors. One of our experienced Las Vegas, Nevada Bankruptcy Attorneys can help you structure a repayment plan that works for you and your creditors.
As a Nevada homeowner, you must make all mortgage payments that come due during the Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan. Your mortgage company cannot contact you in regard to your pre-filing mortgage arrears while you are in the Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, if you fail to make your post-filing mortgage payments, the mortgage company can ask the bankruptcy court to lift the protection of the bankruptcy code and resume the foreclosure proceedings against you. The possibility of refinancing your mortgage after you have gotten back on track with your Chapter 13 plan is realistic for many consumers. Once the mortgage company sees consistent and current payments, they are happy to work with people after their Chapter 13 Bankruptcy filing.
Deciding on Bankruptcy
When you’re facing a large amount of debt, it can feel insurmountable. Should you file for bankruptcy? How does bankruptcy work? As always, it’s advised that you work with a phoenix chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer or phoenix chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer to help you determine if bankruptcy is the next step for you, or if there are other options for you. Below we review what forms of bankruptcy might work for you, what a means test is, and questions you should consider if you are already considering bankruptcy.
Quick Overview of Bankruptcy
Depending on your situation, if you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, you’ll need to determine which form of bankruptcy, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, you should file.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 (also known an straight bankruptcy) is the most common form of bankruptcy and is available to consumers and businesses.
Under Chapter 7, assets are sold off so that the proceeds can go to paying debt. All proceeds from the sales of those assets are handed over to a trustee, who then pays down any and all creditors. After all creditors have been paid off they are no longer able to collect funds directly from you and your debts are cancelled, meaning you are no longer responsible for them.
You are not able to discharge the following debts under Chapter 7:
- Alimony and child support
- Drunk driving judgments, criminal fines, restitution
- Debts incurred as the result of fraud or intentional wrongdoing
- Back taxes under 3 years old
- Student loans
- Recent purchases made for substantial amounts
- Contracts involving titles or liens such as land or automobiles
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 reorganizes debt so that you are able to pay back debts over the next three to five years. This pay-back plan is called a debt repayment schedule. Based on your income, and how much you owe, you’ll repay 10-100% of the debt you owe.
You are not able to discharge the following debts under Chapter 13:
- Alimony and child support
- Drunk driving judgments
- Criminal fines
- Student loans
Reasons to File Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy should be chosen if the following apply:
- You have no hope and have no future hope of being able to repay any debts
- Your debts do not have co-signers on them
- You are going to be sued by creditors
- You don’t qualify for Chapter 13
Reasons to File Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy should be chosen if the following apply:
- You have already filed Chapter 7 in the past six years
- Your debts have cosigners
- You will be able to pay your debts within three to five years
- Your income disqualifies you from filing for Chapter 7
- You need relief from collection proceedings and you want to pay your creditors back but just need some breathing room to get your finances under control
- You want to be able to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy some time in the future
- You are behind on your mortgage
- You owe back taxes
- You have assets that could be liquidated in Chapter 7
- You’re a farmer with debt not related to your farming operations and do not qualify for Chapter 12
Working with a Bankruptcy Attorney
Bankruptcy can be an overwhelming process. That’s why we advise that you work with a phoenix chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer that is familiar with various debt repayment options. We are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and options under the bankruptcy law and developing the debt relief solution that makes the most sense for each individual. We invite you to call (602) 648-3274 or contact our Arizona office to schedule a free initial consultation.
AZBK Lawyers
668 N. 44th St., Ste 320, Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 648-3274